A benefits cheat who claimed to be unable to walk without a stick was caught red-handed playing golf on two separate occasions.

Clive Price, 57, from Saltash, was due to stand trial on Tuesday (March 27) but at the last minute pleaded guilty to making a false representation to obtain benefit, meaning that the need for a trial was averted.

Prosecuting barrister Francesca Whebell told Truro Crown Court that between March 20, 2013, and August 16, 2016, Price failed to notify the relevant authorities that during the given time period his condition had improved, which in turn affected his Disability Living Allowance entitlement.

Clive Price leaves Truro Crown Court

Ms Whebell said: “Mr Price suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and filled out the forms to say he had trouble walking and needed a stick along with other assistance. As a result of reports, surveillance was obtained and between the end of July and August 2016 the defendant was seen on two occasions playing 18 holes of golf at Looe golf course.

“He appeared to have little difficulty with mobility and didn’t need a stick. He should have notified the [Department for Work and Pensions] of the improvement in his mobility.”

Clive Price leaves court, with his walking stick

Ms Whebell said that the overpayment amounted to nearly £14,000 but Price was already in the advanced in the process of paying back the money.

Sentencing Price, Judge Robert Linford said that as the court’s other resident judge, Simon Carr, indicated that Price wouldn’t go to prison if he admitted his guilt and a trial was avoided, he would honour that promise.

Price's solicitor then offered no mitigation.

Judge Linford gave Price a one-year conditional discharge, meaning he will not be sentenced for the offence unless a further offence is committed within the stated period.